Popocatepetl spews smoke, ash: alerts issued

Ash and smoke spewed from Popocatepetl Volcano as seen from Santiago Xalitxintla, in the Mexican central state of Puebla, on April 21, 2012.

Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano was in its second full day of eruption, as it spewed smoke and ash to almost one kilometre beyond its crater, authorities said.

Residents of nearby communities reported roaring noises coming from the volcano located on the outskirts on Mexico City, as early as Thursday night. Some reported sighting glowing rocks and smoke blast from the crater on the same day.

In an increase of activity the volcano registered "62 expulsions of medium intensity, with the emission of water vapor, gas, ashes and glowing rocks," between Thursday night and Friday, said a statement from the National Center of Disaster Prevention.

Signs of increased activity had made authorities raise alert levels, as many communites are located within fairly close distance to the volcano.